Perfect For:

・Your first evening in Kyoto, if you want the stories behind Gion
・Travellers who want to see Gion's highlights efficiently in just 90 minutes
・Travellers who want to explore with a Japanese local guide, not just a map
・Solo travellers and couples who prefer a small group (max 10 guests)

Not Ideal For:

・Guests who find long walks tiring (about 2.7 km on foot over 90 minutes, including slopes and stone steps)
・Travellers who have already explored Gion, the Yasaka Pagoda and Ninenzaka

Discover the atmosphere of Gion after dark on a relaxed 90-minute walking tour through Kyoto’s most famous historic district.

Led in English by a friendly Japanese local guide and limited to a maximum of 10 guests, this small-group experience is personal, conversational, and easy to enjoy.

As you walk through Gion and Higashiyama, you’ll visit iconic nighttime sights, hear local stories, and learn about Geiko and Maiko culture, shrine traditions, local etiquette, and Kyoto’s history.

What You'll See:

・Hanamikoji Street
Walk through one of Gion’s most famous streets, lined with traditional ochaya tea houses. You may also have a chance to see Geiko or Maiko on their way to appointments.

・Yasaka Pagoda
See one of Kyoto’s most recognisable landmarks rising above the historic streets of Higashiyama.

・Yasui Konpiragu Shrine
Visit a unique shrine known for the tradition of cutting bad ties and forming good ones.

・Ninenzaka
Stroll along a historic stone-paved street surrounded by traditional wooden buildings.

・Yasaka Shrine
Experience one of Gion’s most important shrines, beautifully illuminated by lanterns at night.

What Makes This Tour Different:

・Maximum 10 Guests
Enjoy a more personal experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

・English-Speaking Japanese Local Guide
Learn about Kyoto, local customs, and Japanese culture directly from a Japanese guide.

・More Than Just Sightseeing
Discover the stories, traditions, and small details that are easy to miss when exploring on your own.

・Relaxed & Conversational
This is not a formal lecture. Feel free to ask about Kyoto, food, culture, nightlife, or what to do next.

・Kyoto After Dark
Experience Gion and Higashiyama when the lanterns are lit and the historic streets take on a quieter, more atmospheric character.

What to Expect:

・A well-planned 90-minute route through Gion and Higashiyama
・Easy-to-understand cultural stories and local insights
・A chance to learn about Geiko and Maiko culture
・Beautiful nighttime streets and landmarks
・A small bottle of local Fushimi sake for each guest aged 20+
・Photo assistance at key locations

Good to Know:

・Please arrive on time, as the tour starts promptly.
・Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
・Please keep voices low in residential and sacred areas.
・Geiko and Maiko sightings are not guaranteed.